The complexity of technology and software required in Gymnastics is quite staggering! In an Artistic Gymnastics session for example, the gymnasts can be competing in individual apparatus qualifications, individual all-around qualifications or final, as well as the team final.
For more than thirty years, SWISS TIMING (with our sister company LONGINES) have been working in close collaboration with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the European Gymnastics Union (UEG). Driven by our passion for sport, we introduced the first video replay system, IRCOS (Instant Replay and Control System), to facilitate the role of the judges and officials. Due to SWISS TIMING's long history in Gymnastics, we are significantly involved in the technical implementation of the Code of Points and the display regulations.
Following the successful Beijing Olympic Games, we are working with the FIG on several projects in order to increase and improve the attractiveness of Gymnastics to both the media and spectators. The projects include scoring displays, analysis and other competition information.
The SWISS TIMING motto for Gymnastics might be best summarised as ”flawless competition with trust of the judges”.
How does it work?
Gymnastics is officially composed of Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Trampoline, Acrobatic Gymnastics and Aerobic Gymnastics.
SWISS TIMING technicians install, test and control the scoring system, including IRCOS, as well as provide technical support to the judges during the competitions. They also work closely with the competition management and the technical committees at all times.
Judgement sport by excellence, the score basically comes through a panel of judges and an "Apparatus Supervisor". Once the notes and deductions are entered, the score is instantly calculated.
To aid the verification of the score, the "Apparatus Supervisor" and the difficulty judges are able to review the gymnast's routine using IRCOS. Being validated by the "Apparatus Supervisor", the score is instantly distributed to all the peripherals such as scoreboard, TV graphics, internet and CIS (Commentator Information System).
Artistic Gymnastics
Women compete on four apparatus; vault, uneven bars, beam and floor; whereas men compete on six apparatus; floor, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar.
With a panel of eight judges, the evaluation of the individual performance is determined by two steps. A difficulty panel of two judges identify the technical elements performed by the gymnast during their routine to calculate the maximum score they are able to reach, based on the content of the performed routine. An execution panel of six judges determine the deductions (mistakes) based on the execution of the routine.
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Rhythmic Gymnastics is divided into individual, group and team competitions. In an individual competition the gymnasts perform four exercises. There are five apparatus; rope, ball, clubs, hoop and ribbon. The four apparatus to be used are cycled biennially. A group comprises five gymnasts (and one substitute athlete) and perform two exercises: five identical apparatus and a combination of two different apparatus depending on the competitive cycle. Each team is comprised of three or four gymnasts and presents 12 exercises.
In Rhythmic Gymnastics, there are 12 judges distributed within three panels. The difficulty judges take care of the technical value (number and level of difficulties) of the gymnast's routine. The choreography and musical accompaniment are evaluated by the artistic judges. Finally, the execution judges are responsible of the expression, technical errors and virtuosity faults.
Trampoline
Trampoline, synchronised trampoline, tumbling and double mini trampoline make up the four disciplines of this sport. Except in synchronised trampoline, gymnasts complete two routines or exercises. Competitions are held for individuals and for teams (either three or four athletes).
The score is based on the degree of difficulty and the execution of the routine, such as rhythm, elevation, position, number of elements and intermediate bounces. In synchronised trampoline, the partners must do the same element at the same time and facing in the same direction.
Acrobatic Gymnastics
Acrobatics is performed as pairs, mixed pairs and groups of three gymnasts. The exercise, accompanied by music, combines choreography, acrobatic elements both in the air and on the floor, and synchronisation.
During the qualifications, the gymnasts perform three different routines known as balance, dynamic and combined. In the finals, only a combined exercise is executed. The main differences between balance and dynamic are the flying elements which are not included in the balance routine and a balance (or a pyramid in the group) with must be held for a given time.
Aerobic Gymnastics
Dynamic movements, coordination, strength and flexibility, accompanied with music, are the basics of aerobic gymnastics. Individuals, mixed pairs, trios and groups must perform seven basic steps and difficulty elements without interruption.
Difficulty, artistic impression and execution of the exercise is evaluated by three panels of judges as well as the chair of the judges' panel. The performed elements are evaluated by the artistic jury. Composition, music, space, presentation and aerobic movements meet the requirements of the artistic judges. Finally, the execution panel is responsible for the execution of all movements, including posture, alignment, power and muscle endurance.
Scope of service
Timing and Scoring
IRCOS
On-venue Result (OVR)
TV graphics
Public and sport specific scoreboards
CIS
Scoring
"Head judge" PC with interface control
Scoring keypads for each judges
Capturing and processing IRCOS data
Automatic competition control
OVR
Gathering and processing the data to calculate the scores
Live results generation to TV graphics, internet and CIS
Results service for printouts and scoreboards, according to ORIS (Olympic Results Information System)
Provision of lists, scores, results and summaries to real-time displays such as scoreboards, TV graphics, etc.
Printing a master copy of all competition relevant printouts, such as; list of participants, starting order, results list per apparatus by subdivision, qualifying lists
Creation and printing of the overall results, known as the "Results Book"
CIS providing detailed competition information, gymnast's biography, live results, schedules, etc.
Update of FIG database
TV graphics
Development and design
Graphics layout in accordance with the brand guidelines
Integration of sponsor logos
Production of online inserts in SD and HD
Display of start lists, intermediate and final results
